FNB has facilitated R11.8 billion in payouts to property buyers using nav» Home in its banking APP. Since launching nav» Home in 2016, approximately 10 000 families have been placed in homes through the seamless functionality.

The laborious bond application process is even more painstaking for the self-employed and it’s critical that these buyers take the time beforehand to familiarise themselves with exactly what is required and the criteria to be met as applications can easily be delayed - or even declined - due to simple omissions or errors.

While it is now widely agreed that disruptive innovation is key to effective property funding structures and solutions, the imperative for providers of property finance to think out of the box extends beyond funding propositions; they also have a key role to play in helping to shape the future of the property sector as a whole.

With VAT increases and generally soaring prices taking their toll on South African pockets, it’s no wonder most people have been buckling up for tough financial times ahead. The cost of living is certainly climbing, but as it turns out, it’s not all doom and gloom on the horizon.

You can feel it in the air - 2018 is off to a very positive start. Government is taking a serious look into corruption and overall a feeling of positivity is sweeping across the country, thanks largely to the election of Cyril Ramaphosa as our new leader.

The FTSE/JSE South African Listed Property Index (SAPY) achieved total returns of 17.2% in 2017, building on its performance of returns of 10.2% in 2016, to deliver double-digit growth to investors for the second year in succession.

There can be no arguing against the fact that the provision of affordable housing is a vital component of the social transformation and empowerment efforts of local and national governments across South Africa.

Property Finance at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) delivered another year of strong performance, making a significant contribution to the annual results of both CIB and Nedbank Group as a whole in 2016.

Ooba says the decision today by the South African Reserve Bank to increase interest rates by 0.5% from 6.25% to 6.75% will negatively impact the residential housing markets as many consumers are already facing increasing financial strain through dealing with elevated levels of debt and the rising cost of living expenses.